Contraceptive method choice among women attending at amtullabhai family planning clinic in Dar es salaam

ABSTRACT Background: Contraceptive prevalence in Tanzania is low despite high knowledge of contraception. In order to understand the existing barriers, it is important to find out reasons affecting contraceptive method choices. The objective of this study was to assess contraceptive method choice among women attending at Amtullabhai family planning clinic in Dar es Salaam. Method: A cross- sectional study was conducted between October and November, 2010 at Amtullabhai family planning clinic, Ilala District in Dar es Salaam. A total of 308 women who attended family planning clinic with previous experience on FP use during the study period were recruited. Enquiry was made with regard to types of contraceptive methods known to the participants, personal experience on use, side effects of contraceptive methods, method chosen and reason for choosing that particular method. A 12 points scale was used to assess knowledge based on clients’ knowledge on types and side effects of contraceptives. Results: Majority of the participants were of the age 25 – 34 years, married, standard seven leavers and house wives. The contraceptives that majority chose were oral contraceptive pills (33.1%) and injectables (32.8%). The factors that were mostly found to be associated with the choices were side effects from the previous method (26.9%), no contraceptive of participants’ choice (20%) and influence from the provider (15%). The contraceptive knowledge was moderate to majority of the participants. Conclusion: Findings from this study show that women have various reasons for contraceptive method choice. There is sufficient evidence to indicate that contraceptive prevalence increases as a variety of contraceptive options are provided to clients, backed up by informed choices. Recommendations: Increase effort in modern contraceptive method promotion and education is needed to improve knowledge in Tanzanian women so that they can make a proper and informed choice. It is therefore upon responsible authorities to ensure the availability of full range of contraceptive methods as the ability to choose satisfactory contraceptive protection depends on readily access to multiple methods